In the Hamar and Banna tribes of Ethiopia, when a boy is ready to transition into manhood and become a "Maza," an important cultural and social milestone is observed. The boy is given a miniature club known as Boko by the family elders, symbolizing his readiness to start inviting family and friends to his Bull Jumping ceremony. This ceremony, which serves as his gateway to manhood, is a significant rite of passage where he earns the right to own cattle, get married, and start a family.

As part of the preparation for this momentous occasion, his head is partially shaved, marking the beginning of his transformation. On the important day known as “bara,” various preparations take place:

The men of the tribe come together to build shelters for the guests. These structures provide seating and shade, ensuring the comfort of all attendees during the ceremony.

The women play a crucial role by grinding maize, which is then fermented to produce alcohol. This homemade brew is an essential part of the celebration, symbolizing hospitality and festivity.

The Bull Jumping ceremony itself is a dramatic and challenging event. The boy must leap over a line of bulls multiple times without falling, proving his strength, agility, and readiness for the responsibilities of adult life. Successfully completing the Bull Jumping signifies his official entry into manhood and his acceptance as a Maza within the community.

On a set day known as Gati, the Bull Jumping ceremony begins. This event is marked by the arrival of a group of Mazas, who are men that have already completed their own Bull Jumping ceremonies and have thus been initiated into manhood. These Mazas carry long, thin switches and are awaited by the boy’s family, friends, and guests, particularly the women.

In accordance with tradition, the women are prepared to be whipped as a demonstration of their affection and devotion to the boy who is about to undergo the rite of passage. This ritual is a powerful and symbolic act within the community. The Mazas come to the ceremony site bearing switches, representing their status and readiness to participate in the ritual. Meanwhile women, including young girls and older women, voluntarily run up to the Mazas in a state of frenzy, eager to be the first to be whipped. This act is not merely a display of physical endurance but also a profound expression of their emotional support and solidarity with the boy.

The whipping is seen as a testament to the women's loyalty and their role in the social fabric of the tribe. It is a way for them to show their willingness to endure pain for the sake of the boy’s transition into manhood.

This aspect of the ceremony, while intense and painful, is deeply embedded in the cultural practices of the Hamar and Bana tribes, underscoring the communal ties and the shared values of strength, support, and unity. The ritual culminates in the boy’s successful Bull Jumping, signifying his entry into manhood and his new status as a Maza.

The backs of many women already bear severe welt marks from previous ceremonies, which are considered symbols of their love and dedication. The more welt marks a girl has, the more it signifies her devotion to her brother and enhances her appeal as a potential wife. During the whipping, most women wear bras to protect their breasts from the whip marks. The ceremony is lively and spirited.

The severe welt marks on the women’s backs are seen as badges of honor and dedication. They are a visible testament to the women’s love and support for their family members, particularly the boy undergoing the rite of passage.

To shield themselves from severe injury, most women wear bras during the whipping, ensuring that their breasts are protected.

The ceremony involves a lot of horn blowing, chanting, and dancing. These activities are not only meant to drum up excitement and fervor but also serve to alleviate the pain from the whipping. The communal participation in these activities creates a vibrant and supportive environment.

The whipping and associated festivities typically last for at least two hours. After the initial phase of whipping, the participants drink a locally brewed drink called “farsi.” This drink acts as a social lubricant, leading to more vigorous dancing and chanting. As the ceremony progresses and the effects of the drink take hold, the women often demand more whipping. This continued ritual underscores their resilience and dedication, enhancing the ceremonial significance of the event.

Towards the end of the day, the climax of the Bull Jumping ceremony unfolds. The Mazas and other elders gather 10 to 15 bulls and position them side by side. They hold the bulls in place by gripping their horns at one end and their tails at the other, creating a stable yet precarious pathway for the novice, known as the Ukuli.

The Ukuli must run over the backs of these bulls, performing the ritual naked. The bulls are lined up tightly side by side, with the elders ensuring they remain steady by holding their horns and tails. This creates a continuous surface for the Ukuli to run across. The Ukuli must run over the backs of the bulls multiple times, with a minimum of four successful crossings required to achieve the status of a Maza. This act requires agility, balance, and courage. The feat is difficult and dangerous. Any misstep can result in the Ukuli falling, potentially causing serious injury, especially if he lands on the bulls' horns. Successfully completing the jumps without falling is crucial, as failure would subject the Ukuli to lifelong ridicule from family and friends. Successfully running over the bulls symbolizes the Ukuli's transition into manhood. It demonstrates his physical and mental readiness to take on adult responsibilities, including owning cattle, marrying, and starting a family.

Upon successfully completing the jumps, the Ukuli's head is shaved, marking his formal induction into the ranks of the Mazas. This act signifies the shedding of his boyhood and his acceptance into manhood.

The ceremony concludes with the Ukuli, now a Maza, joining the other Mazas, having proven his bravery and readiness for the responsibilities of adult life. The entire process, from the initial preparations to the final jumps, is a testament to the community's values of strength, resilience, and mutual support.

After the Bull Jumping ceremony, the celebration continues for the next three days in a period known as Gati. During this time, family and friends come together to rejoice with dancing, eating meat, and drinking the locally brewed drink “farsi.” The festivities are marked by communal bonding and shared joy. At the end of the third day, guests return to their homes.

Post-Ceremony Life of a Maza

Once a boy becomes a Maza, he enters a new phase of life characterized by distinct traditions and responsibilities:

Newly initiated Mazas join a band of other Mazas and live independently until they find a woman to marry. This communal living fosters camaraderie and mutual support among the Mazas who adhere to a specific diet, consuming only milk, cattle blood, honey, meat, and traditional coffee made from coffee husks. These dietary restrictions are part of their cultural practices and symbolize their status and discipline.

Mazas play a crucial role in all Bull Jumping ceremonies. Their participation is vital to the ritual's success, as they hold the bulls and help manage the event. This involvement also provides opportunities for them to meet potential partners. The Bull Jumping ceremonies are social gatherings where Mazas can interact with women and potentially find future wives. The ceremonies serve as a venue for socializing and forming connections within the community.

The period following the Bull Jumping ceremony is significant for both the new Maza and the community. It reinforces cultural values, strengthens social bonds, and ensures the continuity of traditions. The three-day Gati celebration is a time of joy and unity, while the subsequent life of a Maza is marked by discipline, communal living, and active participation in cultural rites.